Q: Where to go when you've lost your mojo? A: Baby, drive south.
When attorney Gloria Dalton arrives in the small town of Mojo, Louisiana, she's desperate for change. Her past haunts her--at sixteen she was forced into the witness protection program and ripped away from Zane Riley, the boy she loved. After years of heartbreak and hiding, she's hoping that this move will be her last, that she can make a life for herself among the quirky residents of Mojo.
But Gloria's optimism fades when a welcome gift turns out to be a voodoo doll and her male paralegal suffers a shocking death. When the new Chief of Police arrives on the scene, Gloria's life takes another left turn--it's her first love, Zane, who doesn't recognize her behind her careful disguise.
Concealing her identity and her feelings for Zane is killing her, but when it's revealed that her employee was murdered and secrets begin to spill, Gloria realizes it's going to take a special kind of voodoo to keep her quest for her own personal mojo from hitting a "dead" end
USA TODAY bestselling author Stephanie Bond was seven years deep into a systems engineering career and pursuing an MBA at night when an instructor remarked that she had a flair for writing and suggested that she submit to academic journals. But Stephanie, a voracious reader, was only interested in writing fiction–more specifically, romantic fiction.
Upon completing her master’s degree and with no formal training in writing (her undergraduate degree is in computer programming), she started writing a romance novel in her spare time. Two years later in 1995 she sold her first manuscript, a romantic comedy, to Harlequin Books.
In 1997, with ten sales under her belt to two publishers, Stephanie left her corporate job to write women’s romantic fiction full-time. In 2011,
Stephanie launched a self-publishing business. Since that time, she has sold more than 1 million copies of her own books. To-date, Stephanie has published over 70 novels and has over 6 million copies of her work in worldwide distribution in numerous languages and formats.
Gloria Dalton had just moved to the small town of Mojo, Louisiana, and was standing inside the door of her practice, the one she'd taken over after the previous owner passed away, when a car careened through the front glass window, just missing her. The death of the driver was deemed suspicious by the local police chief, Zane Riley, and so began a weird case, with voodoo dolls, murders and a past that Gloria couldn't seem to leave behind. What would be the outcome in this strange little town - would she have to leave and start over?
is the 2nd in the Voodoo in Mojo series by and unfortunately, I wasn't impressed. I couldn't mesh with the characters, and was happy when I turned the final page.
The sequel to In Deep Voodoo. I actually enjoyed this one a little more than the first. The characters were more likable. Of course the coincidence of Gloria Dalton and Zane Riley end up in the same town. The Diane Davidson storyline was also a bit much to take. The series is very open for a third book. However, three years after the last and nothing is forthcoming. Still fun and light.
It's possible I liked this story better than the first. Thanks to the Witness Protection Program, Gloria has plenty of secrets to hide. Chance brings Zane, her beloved boyfriend from her old life, into her life. She's changed so much about herself that he doesn't recognize her even though losing her so unexpectedly was the impetus for his career in law enforcement.
Mojo brings back all of the quirky humor you would expect. You'll meet all sorts of old friends from In Deep Voodoo, and you'll make some new friends like Steve Chasen's cat, one of my favorite characters in the whole book.
As usual, the mystery will keep you guessing, and the romance will keep you invested in Zane and Gloria. Oh, and no one does heroines who get themselves in crazy situations quite like Stephanie Bond.
My favorite part, though, was Gloria's personal growth and her struggle to figure out who she really was. The ending? Spot on, but I'm not going to tell you what it was. You'll just have to read it for yourself.
Stephanie Bond is one of my go-to authors for an easy read/audiobook listen. Unfortunately, she too has a few clinkers. This is one of them. The first book in the Mojo series was pretty good. This one was Boring with a capital B.
This was a book I had an incredibly hard time getting through. Usually I can finish a book in like 1.5-2 days, but this took me about 5 days. It was just chock full of problems and not all that interesting. I was really tempted to just stop reading and chuck it back on my bookshelf.
There were a number of critical problems in this book, and right off the bat, I had issues. The book ties in with Bond's previous novel "In Deep Voodoo" in that it takes place in the same town, has common characters, and some minor plot tie-ins. I love connected books; they are some of my favorite's to read. But I hadn't read the 1st book in the series when I started this one, and it ended up being a problem. Bond constantly references the previous story, but with glancing mentions about events. She never bothers to do a couple paragraph summary of the plot of that book, which makes things extremely confusing. You keep hearing about this and that happening and wondering "what are you talking about?" It really took away from the readability of the story when you're left in the dark about things. Bond made the mistake in assuming that anyone reading this book read the previous one. Connected books are great, but they also need to be able to stand solidly on their own. All she had to do was summarize in a couple paragraphs and all would have been fine. Without those paragraphs, the story just...suffers.
A bigger issue for me with the book, though, was the fact that Bond focused utterly and completely on the Gloria POV. The whole entire story is solely focused on Gloria, her thoughts, actions, etc. She never once goes into Zane's perspective. It left the story very one-sided with the reader unable to relate to Zane. It made it seem like he was just some guy, rather than the hero of the story. As a reader, I really wanted his perspective, but it never came and it made the romance and story overall a bit flat and dull. Why Bond chose to go this route, I don't know. I can't think of another romance book I've read that had only 1 POV.
Aside from those 2 things, there were smaller issues. There were way too many extraneous characters and I kept forgetting who was who. I didn't believe some of the Witness Protection aspects; they just didn't work for me. The storyline goes every which way with like a million different things happening that just cluttered up the story. And the ending was really trite.
All in all, just a thoroughly lackluster book that wasn't in the least worth reading. But if you should want to give it a try, make sure to read the other book in the series first.
Gloria Dalton is one scared puppy. Her mother testified against a crime boss and they were both put into the witness protection program. Years have passed and she is now a lawyer and has recently moved to Mojo, LA. By coincidence, her childhood boyfriend, Zane, also just moved to Mojo as the sheriff.
Murder is running rampant in town and Gloria is present at all the crime scenes and Zane (not knowing who she is) suspects Gloria. It is one mishap after another between the two until Zane figures out who she is and then the fun really begins.
I really enjoyed both Zane and Gloria. They experienced real issues and dealt with them just like anyone else would have...no funny business or unexplained solutions. Just another good book from Stephanie Bond.
There's just something about the characters in Mojo that are so lovable. Stephanie Bond does a great job of character building and plot. The book kept me intrigued, as did the first in the series. I look forward to more in the Mojo voodoo series.
Once again with this author I really like the characters and the story is entertaining enough but I find the circumstances unbelievable. A fun read if you don't expect too much.
I really enjoyed both of the Voodoo series books. Interesting stories and characters kept me reading nearly nonstop for 3 days. I look forward to more from this author!
Really, while this book is categorized as a cozy, it actually presents more of a genre-of-all-types book, same as the first book in this duology. ÌýIt has a light, casual, comedic air to the story telling that reminds me of a cozy mystery, but the atmosphere will sometimes dip into the darkness that I typically associate with grittier crime thrillers. ÌýThen it includes the steamy sexy times of category romance... while at the same time incorporating fluffy, sweet devices used in contemporary romances.
It's like a contemporary, cozy, romantic suspense crime thriller. ÌýOr something like that.
But whatever it is, the entire Voodoo doll scenario actually feels a little absent despite the fact that it is entirely present. ÌýWhy? ÌýBecause I didn't even think to write about the use of Voodoo in this review until right before scheduling this post to publish. ÌýGranted, I know little about Voodoo, so I'm not one to make any noise about how it's represented.
The Voodoo doll is mentioned a lot, and we even have our resident expert on Voodoo cryptically explaining to us what might be going on. ÌýBut the for the most part, I feel like that aspect of this book is more in the background as a jumping board to tell the story rather than a huge part of said story.
If that makes any sense.
Nonetheless...
I felt that I really enjoyed this second, and final, installment of the Voodoo in MojoÌýduology more than the first book. ÌýI don't really know if it was because the characters were more familiar, but I definitely DO think that it might have to do with our main couple being a bit easier to like--I've found that second-chance romances really DO have more heft to them in single-book romances than any other type, really...
But honestly, the romance wasn't all that made me like this book more than the first. ÌýIt could just be that the mystery and all the secrets, and surprising twists and reveals just seemed so crazy and outrageous that the entire book really appealed to me. ÌýA lot of instances, the story really didÌýkeep me guessing. ÌýAnd there certainly were a lot of mysteries to guess about.
Gloria was a great heroine to follow, and her relationship with Zane, though a little rushed at times, DID elicit a lot of sweetness to it. ÌýThere was even the obligatory angst that actually seemed quite in tune with all the conflicts between our main couple, considering Gloria's been leading a fake life and couldn't admit to Zane that she was the girl he loved when they were teenagers who suddenly disappeared one day and fell off the face of the earth. ÌýThere was bound to be angst at the resolution, and while I don't really like romantic angst all that much, I think this situation was handled very well.
On the other hand, some of the concluding scenes felt a bit rushed, but I'm not really complaining. ÌýIn fact, I'm thoroughly happy with the way everything wrapped up; although it COULD also be because I just really found enjoyment in this book.
I really enjoy this series. I find it entertaining. A few things made me roll my eyes ( for example, him not taking the voodoo doll for evidence until near the end) but for the most part I enjoy the characters and the little town of Mojo. I think it would be fun to live there minus all the murders....lol
This is the second book in this series. It has the same mystery, fun and danger of the first. Also, a nice little romance and hot sex which never hurts!
This is the second book in the Voodoo in Mojo series. This series is set in a small Louisiana town and borders on the paranormal. And, though secondary characters (townspeople, the protagonists, etc.) cross both stories, this two-book series featured two different female protagonists taking the lead in solving the crimes. Murders are committed coincidentally (or not!) after the protagonist receives a voodoo doll in the image of the soon-to-be victim.
Gloria Dalton is the main protagonist of this story. She appeared as Penny Francisco's divorce lawyer in the previous book, . Gloria is looking for a career change and with Penny's ex dead, the small town of Mojo could use a new lawyer. Gloria jumps at the chance. What she doesn't bank on is receiving a VooDoo doll dressed like her new assistant, who then winds up dead! Worse, the town sheriff happens to be the boy-next-door, Zane, Gloria hasn't seen since her teenage years. (We find out why later in the story.) Gloria's changed a lot in their years apart -- her appearance, her name, etc. -- and prays Zane doesn't recognize her because what hasn't changed is her love (and lust!) for Zane.
Though she's not really a suspect in the crime, she could be in danger. Now she has to solve the murder of her assistant, find out what underhanded thing he may have been doing, and stay out of Zane's way before he can recognize her. Oh yeah... She also has to pay or figure out who knows her secret and is blackmailing her.
Though I enjoyed both stories in this series, I liked this one better. However, there was a lot of stuff in this and twists that could be a bit unbelievable. The light magical feel of Louisiana still plays into the stories as well -- so maybe the twists are believable as magic.
I would love to see more in this series, but since the last one was published in 2006, I don't hold out a lot of hope that more will come. I find the premise of the stories different and fun and would love to get to the bottom of who's creating and "gifting" the dolls. Or, even if we don't, that we get good mysteries tied together by that theme. I liked visiting Penny and BJ and getting updated on their story and can see a series doing the same as it adds more mysteries and couples along the way.
NOTE: also writes romances, so there are a few spicy scenes between Gloria and Zane!!
Voodoo Or Die- Voodoo in Mojo 2 Nearer 3 stars than 2 Chronological order not necessary but recommended.
In A Nutshell:Gloria Dalton, takes on the practice of the murdered attorney Deke, relocating to Mojo Town. She is escaping the past and hoping to plant roots for the future. Then like her predecessor a voodoo doll arrives. Death and mayhem follow. And her past bangs into the present. It is an unusual and intriguing blend of murder, magic and romance.
The Plot: Gloria who is escaping her troubled past finds new troubles in Mojo. She receives a voodoo doll. Then her assistant is murdered and a crook holds her to ransom. Things take a turn for the worse when a voodoo doll in Gloria’s likeness appears.
The Protagonist(s):Gloria is a fun loving girl wrapped up in a restrictive conservative persona. It’s due to life circumstances not of her making. She is courageous, practical and needs roots.
Gloria is an appealing character with an engaging story. She fills the centre stage without the need for a host of supporting characters and their stories. And the supporting characters who are in the story are cleverly written. They are made to appear dull but hold a measure of intrigue for the reader. The sex scenes are sufficiently spaced out but feel forced. Personally, I think they could be deleted and not damage the story.
I prefer this story to book one. There are points where the two crossover but the story stands alone. Having read book one I was expecting more interaction between Gloria and former client/friend Penny.
Stephanie Bond is an accomplished author. So the work is appealing and grammatically correct.
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Book Rating Sexual Content: 18 Language: U Violent: 15 Would I read the next one or reread?: Yes
My rating system (* = star) 0* Could not finish this book (waste of time) 1* Finished the book but didn't like it. 2* Finished the book it was okay. 3* A good read worth your time. 4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot. 5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
The second book in the Mojo series. Having been forced into witness protection as a teenager, Gloria has spent more than a decade looking over her shoulder. Having decided to move to Mojo to take over a law practice, things don’t get off to a great start, when on the first morning a voodoo doll is left outside her office, a car crashes into her office front, with devastating consequences and she comes face to face with her one time love pre witness protection days. She still has feelings for Zane, but feels guilty that she cannot uncover her true identity. When a second doll appears - and the body count rises she begins to think her previous life has come back to haunt her.
I really enjoyed my time with this book and these characters--yes, very glad I read the two books in this series back to back!-- but the ending felt a bit rushed and unsatisfying. Pretty anticlimactic, especially considering the high stakes conclusion of the last mystery.
Pros: No one "wet their lips".
Cons: Lots of "rueful noises" were made.
I'll still be very eager to read any potential book 3. I hope we get one!
I am so happy I stumbled upon this series and can not wait for more in this series. This book had it all: Romance, humor, action, mystery, and fun, quirky characters you can't help but love. Just like the first book, I had no clue who the villain was until the reveal. I love that about this series. I can usually figure out the culprit in books fairly easily so the author'a ability to craft a fun, romantic story in addition to a real mystery is a treat!
This was a great selection for a quick vacation read. This book was so much fun to read during any down time we had on the trip and made for a really fast flight.
I have to admit I really enjoyed how everything in this little town of Mojo, Louisiana was framed in a way that made it seem more real to the reader. Then not to mention that chemistry between Gloria and Police Chief Zane Riley. HOT!
I hope this is just the beginning of a wonderful series. I can wait for the next book. I've read both books and just couldn't put them down. The stories were really different and both endings blew me away. I didn't figure out the endings until I was reading them. You are so going to enjoy these books. I have been reading this authors' books for many years and they just keep getting better and better.
I am enjoying Voodoo in Mojo series so much, the mystery in Voodoo or Die is a little different, we still have the same characters making appearances and we get a few new characters like Zane, the twist in the end was great! Can't wait for the next book to come out, maybe we will learn more about the voodoo dolls.
At one point i was into Stephanie Bond books, but that did not last. I am no longer into these type of books. She is a good author though. My interests have merely changed. I would suggest a person try her books if they like these types of stories
A well-written, funny, murder mystery. The plot is well developed, with lots of twists and turns and laugh-out-loud situations. Eccentric, likeable characters, a fun read.
Bond entertains with a story of voodoo driven subplots and quirky characters playing out against love and destiny. Twists and turns and unexpected outcomes pull you in. A fun read.
Lighthearted. Funny in parts. Just glad I don't live in this town. Too many deaths.
For a lighthearted read, this book will keep you busy for a couple of nights. Makes you wonder about Voodoo. Is it real or imagined. Don't think I really want to know.
I just couldn't take all the focus on the main character's sexual desire for her long-lost love. It really interfered with the story for me and I just wasn't in the mood to wade through (or skim through) it... I may try this again sometime in the future but for now it is a DNF.
Stephanie, thank you for the good read. It was a page turner and thankfully, no fluff. Your characters are well developed. Your books are original and fun to read. Thank you.